California’s other transit ‘boondoggle’ laid bare as costs double: ‘I’ll be retiring by then’
The Valley Link Rail Project, intended to connect the Bay Area with the San Joaquin Valley, has made no progress since its proposal in 2018 despite millions in spending. Estimated costs have more than doubled from $2 billion to $4.4 billion, prompting officials to split the project into phases. Funding shortfalls and competing regional transit priorities, including BART's financial struggles, continue to delay construction.
- ▪The Valley Link Rail Project was proposed in 2018 to reduce traffic congestion through Altamont Pass but remains in the planning phase.
- ▪Project costs have increased from $2 billion to $4.4 billion, leading to a phased construction approach.
- ▪Officials have secured $800 million but need an additional $2 billion in funding to begin construction.
- ▪The project's future may depend on Bay Area voters approving a 14-year sales tax to fund BART.
- ▪Commuters express frustration over the lack of progress, with some losing faith in the project's completion.
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Metro California’s other transit ‘boondoggle’ laid bare as costs double: ‘I’ll be retiring by then’ By Ross O'Keefe Published May 2, 2026, 8:09 p.m. ET The Golden State has more than one transit “boondoggle” to wrestle with. Another blighted project seeking to connect the Bay Area with the San Joaquin Valley — the Valley Link Rail Project — has seen millions of dollars poured in since 2018, with absolutely nothing to show for it. The transit project was supposed to relieve traffic congestion in the area and provide commuters with traffic-free transport through areas like Altamont Pass, but it hasn’t left the planning stages in the 8 years since it was proposed. 8 The Golden State has more than one transit “boondoggle” to wrestle with.
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